Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is a well-known name in Indian politics. She was born on January 12, 1972, to Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. She is also the sister of Rahul Gandhi. Growing up in the Nehru-Gandhi family, she has always been close to politics, but she did not enter the public spotlight immediately. For many years, she stayed away from active politics and focused on her studies and personal life.
She studied in Delhi at the Convent of Jesus and Mary and later at the University of Delhi. Even when she was not active in politics, people noticed her because of her family. She helped her family quietly behind the scenes.
Around the 2010s, she became more involved in politics. She worked in Uttar Pradesh, meeting party workers and voters. People often notice her direct style. She speaks about issues like jobs, rising prices, and governance in ways that ordinary people can understand.
Over time, she has built her own presence, not just as a member of her family. Today, she is seen as an active campaigner and strategist. She often talks to people directly and tries to highlight their concerns in politics.
The Aam Aadmi Party has encountered a fresh political setback following the resignation of its former chief spokesperson, who has joined the Congress. The outgoing leader cited a departure from founding principles and unfulfilled governance commitments regarding official perks and administrative appointments in Punjab. Highlighting internal disillusionment, the leader stated that the party prioritised self-interest ahead of national interests while elevating inexperienced individuals to prominent posts. Pitching for a consolidated opposition platform against the ruling central government, the switch was positioned as essential to safeguard constitutional plurality and national sovereignty, urging all anti-establishment votes to consolidate under a single umbrella.
Congress has appointed former Olympian and Jalandhar Cantonment MLA Pargat Singh as the new president of its Punjab unit, replacing Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. Pargat Singh expressed gratitude to party leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and K. C. Venugopal, promising constructive and positive politics focused on real issues. Outgoing chief Raja Warring stated that he was not asked to resign by Rahul Gandhi but suggested that Punjab in-charge Sachin Pilot may have sought changes following internal feedback. The transition prompted criticism from political opponents. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann claimed Congress has fewer ground workers and more leaders aspiring to become Chief Minister. Punjab BJP Chief Kewal Dhillon also stated that infighting within the party will persist over the chief ministerial post. Congress's strategic plan reportedly focuses on Jat Sikh voter outreach, bringing rival factions together, farmer engagement, and strengthening ground organisation against the Aam Aadmi Party government.
The Congress party has appointed former Olympian and Jalandhar Cantonment MLA Pargat Singh as the new president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, replacing Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. Pargat Singh, a Padma Shri and Arjuna Award recipient who captained India's hockey team at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics, previously served as the state's minister for education and sports. The leadership transition follows Warring tendering his resignation after meeting Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi. Warring indicated that Punjab Congress in-charge Sachin Pilot may have sought an organisational change. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and state BJP leaders criticised the Congress over factionalism, alleging multiple leaders are competing for the chief minister's post. According to the party's strategy, Singh's appointment aims to consolidate Jat Sikh votes, unite competing internal factions under Pilot's coordination, intensify outreach among farmers, and strengthen grassroots block and district organisation ahead of upcoming elections.
Delhi witnessed major political developments as Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Verma was filmed slapping AAP volunteer Sahib Singh during an inspection in Tilak Nagar, prompting protests by Aam Aadmi Party workers outside Delhi Police headquarters.
A political standoff unfolded in Delhi following allegations that PWD Minister Parvesh Verma slapped an Aam Aadmi Party worker during a road inspection. Delhi Police registered a non-cognisable report against Verma and filed two FIRs against AAP MLA Jarnail Singh for obstructing public duty, leading to the detention of AAP leaders Saurabh Bharadwaj and Singh during a protest march. Concurrently, the Congress Working Committee demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar alongside high-level government resignations over alleged electoral roll irregularities and voter disenfranchisement, while Rahul Gandhi highlighted voter deletions at Delhi's Yamuna Bank. In Maharashtra, the Chief Electoral Officer requested software modifications regarding Electoral Registration Officer authority, and the Food and Drug Administration suspended the licence of the historic Kyani and Co. cafe due to hygiene violations. In business news, Noel Tata-led Tata Trusts submitted a restructuring proposal to merge Tata Electronics and Tata Consulting Engineers into Tata Sons to satisfy Reserve Bank of India regulatory norms.
Internal details from the Congress Working Committee meeting reveal significant political deliberations surrounding the electoral process and the Chief Election Commissioner. The meeting, which lasted around two and a half hours, saw leaders address alleged malpractices in the voter roll and the Special Intensive Revision exercise. Demands emerged seeking the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Ganesh Kumar, the scrapping of the exercise, and the revocation of the decision striking off voters. Discussions also addressed broader political accountability, with calls in the resolution concerning the Union government leadership. Party leaders stressed intensifying street agitations independently before broadening outreach across the opposition INDIA bloc. Meanwhile, alliance dynamics were touched upon, noting that Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav conveyed inability to attend an upcoming opposition bloc meeting in person due to Rajya Sabha election preparations and would send a representative instead.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar following allegations by former Kerala Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson. Thomson claimed that in 2016, Gyanesh Kumar advised him during a flight to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections on a BJP ticket, win, and become a minister. Speaking on the revelations, Priyanka Gandhi termed the alleged action illegal, unconstitutional, and unethical, questioning how individuals actively propagating party leanings can oversee fair elections. The controversy comes amid wider opposition scrutiny and ongoing friction within the Election Commission, with Congress leaders warning that protests demanding the poll chief's resignation will escalate in the coming weeks.
A major political confrontation has erupted between the BJP and the opposition over the Chief Election Commissioner and the Special Intensive Revision exercise. Opposition parties, led by the Congress and INDIA bloc constituents, have demanded the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, accusing the authorities of disenfranchising voters, calling the exercise an assault on democracy, and weighing an impeachment motion. The BJP has countered vigorously, with leaders accusing the opposition of attacking constitutional institutions to conceal their electoral failures and misleading the public. While the opposition alleges opacity and claims legal safeguards for election commissioners protect wrongdoing, the ruling party asserts that decisions within the Election Commission were taken unanimously and that allegations against the poll panel remain baseless.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party, alleging that the ruling party is protecting the Election Commissioner while also shielding its own leadership. She stated that it is practically impossible for the Election Commission to indulge in serious illegalities without the full support of the BJP leadership. Addressing the media, she asserted that the INDIA alliance is in complete agreement that the ongoing actions are anti-constitutional and illegal, calling for the removal of legal safeguards provided to the Election Commissioner and demanding a trial for treason. Meanwhile, the Congress party has intensified protests on the ground and across social media, with opposition parties scheduled to convene to decide their upcoming roadmap.
Congress workers staged nationwide protests across multiple cities, including Chandigarh, Patna, and New Delhi, demanding the immediate resignation and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of electoral irregularities and poll rigging. Demonstrators burned effigies, displayed placards reading 'Loot of democracy', and attempted to breach police barricades outside state election offices and in the national capital along Raisina Road towards Jantar Mantar. In Chandigarh, police deployed water cannons to disperse party workers led by Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring before detaining several leaders and protesters. The escalation followed claims by party leaders alleging an unfair electoral process, citing internal dissent within the Election Commission of India over the Special Intensive Revision procedure. The Bharatiya Janata Party responded by rejecting the allegations, maintaining that the opposition continues to target constitutional institutions out of political frustration.
The Congress party has launched nationwide protests across multiple cities, including Jammu, Dehradun, Kolkata, Lucknow, Chandigarh, and Delhi, seeking the resignation, removal, and prosecution of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Party workers hit the streets, burnt effigies, and planned protest marches towards local Election Commission offices amid heavy security deployments and water cannons. The demonstrations follow reports of alleged internal rifts among election commissioners concerning the Special Summary Revision exercise across several states. Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi, have reiterated allegations of election rigging against the Bharatiya Janata Party, claiming the Election Commission is operating at the behest of political masters. In Jammu, National General Secretary Nasir Hussain joined demonstrators demanding immediate action and accountability from the poll body. Meanwhile, political reactions also emerged, with Union Minister Chirag Paswan stating that the Election Commission should leave no stone unturned to clarify voter doubts, even as the ruling party dismissed the opposition's claims as repeated electoral frustration.
Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party over alleged voter list deletions, asserting that 13 crore voters have been deleted and terming any political interference in elections an illegal act and treason. She demanded accountability regarding claims of directing the Election Commission of India. Meanwhile, the Election Commission previously released a joint statement endorsed by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sandhu and Joshi, clarifying that all panel decisions are made with the consent of all three commissioners. Opposition parties and allies have demanded further clarification, discussing strategies regarding an impeachment petition against the Chief Election Commissioner.
The Election Commission of India has issued a press statement addressing reports of internal rifts and disagreements within the poll panel. Defending its functioning, the poll body stated that it operates as a multi-member constitutional body under Article 324 of the Constitution, statutory rules, and established conventions. It maintained that internal notes, observations, and divergent views are standard checks and balances aimed at improving the electoral process, ensuring legal compliance, and maintaining operational rigor. The commission emphasised that final orders, including those concerning the nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in states such as Bihar, West Bengal, and Delhi, are made unanimously after thorough deliberations by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners S.S. Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. Meanwhile, opposition parties, including the Congress, have mounted a political attack on the government following reports claiming that two election commissioners raised 14 objections over the past ten months, demanding accountability over the conduct of elections.
The Congress party launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission of India, alleging internal discord, voter list manipulation, and an assault on democratic norms. Addressing the media, leaders highlighted reports alleging that internal concerns raised in writing by election commissioners were suppressed by the Chief Election Commissioner. The party pointed to dissent notes regarding Form 6 alterations, electoral registration officer access restrictions, and massive voter deletions across states like Maharashtra and Haryana. The opposition demanded full transparency by calling for all internal dissent notes to be placed in the public domain. Trinamool Congress and other opposition parties reiterated demands for accountability and course correction within the poll body, with discussions around moving an impeachment motion during Parliament's winter session. Meanwhile, Election Commission sources maintained that decisions were made collectively, asserting that differences of opinion during internal discussions are standard institutional procedures before final orders are signed.
The Bharatiya Janata Party mounted an attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi following a mimicry act at the 'Chhatro Ki Goonj' event in Indore. The BJP accused Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party of displaying insensitivity and moral bankruptcy by allegedly mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and an elderly woman referenced during a rally remark. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi termed the act shameful and disgusting, alleging that student interactions were being weaponised. During a broadcast discussion, BJP spokesperson C.R. Kesavan condemned Rahul Gandhi for sharing the stage with individuals who insulted women and an elderly person, stating that such actions reflect an uncouth culture and regressive politics. The anchor also questioned the BJP regarding past political posts by party handles targeting opposition leaders, sparking a debate on political satire, accountability, and the treatment of women in political discourse.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has sparked a debate following the all-vegetarian gala dinner served to global leaders at the BRICS meeting. The BRICS menu featured plant-based dishes, millets, and regional Indian flavours. In a post on social media platform X, Gandhi shared an image of chole bhature made by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and stated that eighty percent of Indians are non-vegetarians while praising Indian non-vegetarian cuisine. The remark has triggered a political debate, with the Congress party raising questions over the portrayal of Indian dietary diversity and arguing that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party attempts to control citizens' food habits. The discussion highlights contrasting views, with expectations of a backlash from the ruling alliance accusing the opposition of ridiculing a major diplomatic exercise, while Congress leaders maintain that non-vegetarian culinary traditions form an essential part of Indian diversity and state ceremonies.
Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju addressed the disruption of the Monsoon Session in Parliament, blaming opposition parties for making it a washout. Rijiju stated that the Congress party and Samajwadi Party took a firm stand not to allow Parliament to function despite efforts to reach out to them. Discussing his conversation with Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, Rijiju revealed that Rahul Gandhi demanded the Home Minister give a statement and resign, which Rijiju characterized by saying, "Democracy doesn't function like that." He noted that the Home Minister is a responsible official who acts responsibly and criticised Congress MPs for believing their primary duty is to raise slogans and make accusations. Rijiju emphasized that the government allocated proper time for discussions on each bill in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Addressing questions about a potential special session of Parliament, Rijiju stated he remains open to scrutiny and will inform the public when the time comes.
Delhi Police registered a First Information Report under Sections 118 and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita following a protest staged by Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Member of Parliament KL Sharma at Sansad Marg police station. The FIR targets unknown individuals regarding allegations raised by protester Sachin Locha about an alleged pellet gun incident during a demonstration in New Delhi. In an interview with India Today, Indian Administrative Service officer and Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe discussed administrative reforms, civil service accountability, and his 21-year career spanning 25 government postings. Mundhe detailed safety enforcement measures by the Maharashtra FDA, which included conducting over 3,000 inspections, seizing goods valued at 55 crore rupees, suspending Food Business Operator licenses, and implementing two-shift operations in testing laboratories. He also addressed previous death threats from the sand mafia in Nanded and Solapur, High Court observations, canteen inspections at Mantralaya, and regulatory actions targeting banned gutkha and surrogate advertisements.
Following an extended dharna outside Sansad Marg police station in Delhi, the Delhi Police registered an FIR regarding an alleged pellet gun firing incident involving a student protester. The FIR has been lodged under Sections 118(1) and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita, covering offenses related to voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means, as well as rash or negligent acts endangering life or personal safety. The case has been registered against unknown persons rather than specifically named police personnel, as the complainant did not identify individual officers in the complaint. Police investigators will review footage of the July 20 demonstration to determine the origin of the pellet shot, identify the personnel involved, and ascertain whether the action was ordered by senior officials. The registration of the FIR comes after prolonged resistance by the police, with political leaders demanding accountability for the injured student who suffered multiple pellet wounds.
Congress Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Randeep Surjewala, and Jairam Ramesh, conducted a five-hour sit-in protest outside the Parliament Street Police Station in New Delhi. The demonstration demanded a First Information Report for Sahil Lochab, an alleged pellet gun victim from student protests. Delhi Police subsequently registered an FIR against unknown persons regarding the incident, despite earlier statements that the matter was sub judice under a Supreme Court-appointed committee. Meanwhile, former Union Minister Smriti Irani criticized Gandhi's protest as a maneuver to divert attention from controversy surrounding Vande Mataram, while defending government measures on exam paper leaks and parliamentary discussions. Concurrently in Jaipur’s Rampura village, stone pelting and clashes occurred during a visit by Ashutosh Ranka and the Cockroach Janata Party for their 'School Thik Karo' campaign at a government primary school. The CJP alleged BJP involvement in the violence, while local residents objected to external interference regarding local educational infrastructure.
